Ferry from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)

Is there a ferry from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)?

Yes, you can catch a ferry from Genoa to Palermo all year round. The ferry company Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) operates on this route, and there is normally 1 direct crossing per day.

Please note that ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season. You can check real-time ferry schedules and ticket prices for the Genoa - Palermo crossing on Ferryhopper.

What’s the ferry schedule from Genoa to Palermo?

Most ferry crossings from Genoa to Palermo are overnight.

During the high season, the ferry usually departs from Genoa at 21:30 and arrives in Palermo at 18:15 the next day, but there are also a few departures at 18:00 and 19:00.

In the off-season, most ferries to Palermo from Genoa depart between 21:30 and 23:30.

How much is the ferry from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)?

The cost of a single Genoa - Palermo ferry ticket starts at approximately €58. Normally, the same prices apply for both deck-lounge and standard seats.

The final ticket price depends on discounts and offers, cabin selection, and vehicle transportation.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available offers for the ferry trip to Palermo from Genoa. Find real-time information about Sicily ferry routes, compare fares and offers, and book your ferry tickets at the best prices!

Note that current offers are automatically applied when booking your ferry tickets.

Discounts

Take advantage of the fixed discounts available by GNV and travel with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry company offers a 30% discount for children 4-11 years old, while Sicily residents are entitled to a 75%-85% discount.

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years travel free of charge.

How long is the ferry ride from Genoa to Palermo?

The duration of the Genoa - Palermo ferry trip normally ranges between 19 hr 30 min to 24 hr. The route is direct and includes no intermediate stops.

Tip: worried that weather conditions might affect your time of departure? You can see any changes and track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App. 

Is there a high-speed ferry from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)?

Ferries operating on the Genoa - Palermo route are normally conventional. The fastest ferry from Genoa takes approximately 19 hr 30 min to reach Palermo.

What’s the distance between Genoa and Palermo?

The distance between the ports of Genoa and Palermo is 519 nautical miles (around 960 km).

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Palermo from Genoa

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Genoa to Palermo:

• We recommend that you arrive at the port of Genoa at least 1 hr before your ferry trip, especially if you are bringing along your vehicle. 
• For long journeys such as this one, we recommend booking a cabin.
• During the summer, there are also ferries from Genoa to the Termini Imerese port, which is located 38 km from Palermo.
• If you plan to stay several days in Palermo, you should take advantage of the summer ferry connections to the Aeolian Islands. Choose your favorite island and discover the wonderful Aeolian archipelago.
• Also check out the latest GNV Palermo - Genoa ferry schedules and prices and plan your return trip to mainland Italy.

Where to take the ferry from Genoa to Palermo

Usually, ferries to Palermo depart from the Ponte Biagio Assereto terminal at the port of Genoa.

In the port area, there are various traveler amenities, such as bars, hotels and parking lots.

How to get to the port of Genoa

You can get to the port of Genoa by car, taxi, metro, or bus. It takes about 25 min to get from Genova Piazza Principe railway station to the port's ferry terminals on foot, while there are also several buses (3, 20, 32, and 38) heading to the port. The closest subway station to the port is Dinegro.

Can I travel on the ferry from Genoa to Palermo with a car?

Yes, you can bring along your vehicle, as ferries traveling from Genoa to Palermo have large car decks. More specifically, you can transport smaller or larger vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, scooters, motorhomes, campers, and vans; plus, you can bring along your bicycle free of charge. Note that you need to indicate the size of your vehicle when you make your ferry reservation on Ferryhopper.

As for vehicle ticket prices:

• Car tickets start at around €26
• Motorcycle tickets start at about €17
• Van / motorhome tickets start at around €68

On-board services and amenities

The Genoa - Palermo (Sicily) connection is usually served by GNV with large open-deck ferries, such as Excelsior and GNV Auriga that can accommodate over 2,000 passengers. Thanks to the top-notch amenities offered by the company, you can travel in comfort, have fun and enjoy new flavors:

• Meals: on board GNV ferries, you can find à la carte restaurants, snack bars, pizzerias, and self-service restaurants offering a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
• Kids' activities: trip time is game time for the kids in the on-board childrens' areas.
• Shopping: a tour around the ferry's shopping center is a great way to kill some time and buy clothes, cosmetics, snacks, and gifts for your loved ones.

Plus: on certain GNV ferries, such as the Rhapsody, you can also take a dip at the upper-deck swimming pool and relax at the pool bar.

Is there Wi-Fi access on board?

There is Internet access available on some GNV ferries traveling to Palermo from Genoa. More specifically, you can purchase Wi-Fi packages on the Excelsior, Rhapsody, GNV Spirit,  and  La Suprema   vessels.

Ferry luggage

The ferry company Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) allows each passenger to board with up to 2 pieces of luggage, without restrictions regarding size and weight.

Cabins

The ferry journey to Sicily is pretty long, so the best way to enjoy a relaxing trip is booking a comfortable cabin. The spacious ferries that operate on the route from Genoa to Palermo offer many options, including standard cabins, family suites, pet-friendly cabins, and accessible cabins for people with disabilities.

Depending on the number of passengers they can accommodate, you can find:

• 1-bed cabins starting at around €88
• 2-bed cabins starting at around €88
• 3-bed cabins starting at around €88
• 4-bed cabins starting at around €102

In terms of amenities, a standard cabin is normally equipped with a bed, wardrobe and A/C, while a suite normally has a double bed, a sofa bed, minibar, TV, and a phone. Note that you can also book a bed in a shared cabin (women's or men's), which costs around €73-€90.

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on the ferry to Palermo from Genoa, as long as you include it in your booking and pay a fee. Your furry friend can travel with you and stay in:

• their carrier (around €15)
• a kennel (around €15)
• a pet-friendly cabin (starting at around €102)

Make sure to bring along the necessary health certificates, tickets, and any equipment and supplies (food and water bowls, muzzle, leash, hygiene bags) you may need for your pet during the trip.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Genoa to Palermo

You can easily book ferry tickets for Italy on Ferryhopper. See all available Sicily ferry routes on our Map of ferries, compare ferry schedules and prices, and book Genoa - Palermo ferry tickets with no hidden fees.

Palermo

The bustling capital of Sicily has it all: unique art and architecture, mouthwatering street food, stunning beaches, amazing nature, and an authentic vibe. Discover the top attractions and travel tips on our Palermo travel guide. 

Genoa

Starting your ferry journey from Genoa, in Liguria? Find all the information you need about the popular port of northern Italy on our Genoa travel guide.

How far in advance should I book my ferry ticket from Genoa to Palermo (Sicily)?

We recommend booking your ferry tickets to Sicily at least 1-3 weeks in advance, as the Genoa - Palermo route is pretty popular all year round, and even more in high season (from May to October).

Especially if you wish to bring along your vehicle or travel in a cabin, we recommend booking as early as possible, as car-deck spaces and cabins usually sell out fast.

What are the check-in procedures at the port?

Regarding the check-in procedures for Sicily ferries, bear in mind that you need to pick up your tickets in printed form from the GNV collection points at the port so you can board the ferry.

Note that you should arrive at the port at least 1 hr in advance if you are traveling as a foot passenger, and at least 2 hr in advance if you are bringing along a vehicle.

Which day is the cheapest to travel from Genoa to Palermo?

Genoa - Palermo ferry prices depend more on the season and demand, and less on the day of the week. This means that, if you wish to travel in August or on a busy weekend, prices might be a bit higher than, for example, on a working day in March.

Where will the ferry arrive in Palermo (Sicily)?

Ferries from Genoa usually arrive at the port of Palermo and dock at Molo Santa Lucia pier. The port is located in the heart of Sicily's capital city, around 30 min on foot from Piazza Pretoria.

What documents are required for the Genoa - Palermo ferry?

To board the ferry from Genoa - Palermo, you need:

1. A valid ID (citizens of Schengen-area country) or passport
2. You ferry tickets in printed form

Plus, if you are traveling with a pet, you need to present recently updated health documents for your pet.